All applicants must pay the $250 fee in addition to existing visa application and processing costs.
US Visa to Cost Rs71,000 More. The United States will introduce a new $250 “Visa Integrity Fee” starting October 1, 2025. This fee applies to tourists, students, and professionals visiting America on nearly all visa categories. The charge is part of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” influenced by President Donald Trump’s policies.
Since President Trump took over the White House, there are unprecedented changes in the visa processes of the United States. For instance, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that visas of Chinese students studying in sensitive fields will also be canceled. Later, the new visa appointments for student visas were also halted globally. In a country specific scenario, Indian nationals were warned of deportation and a permanent ban on future travel to the United States. This is an exact opposite of the US policy for several decades in its history. In fact, the United States has always championed the idea of free travel, lower immigration obstacles and an easier pathway to settle in the United States.
US Visa Fee 2025
Critics argue the new fee severely impacts global tourism, student mobility, and professional travel. All applicants must pay the $250 fee in addition to existing visa application and processing costs.
Planning a vacation, studying, or attending a conference? Expect to pay more before entering the U.S. The H-1B visa process may now cost applicants as much as $130,000, including legal and processing fees.
A family of four on tourist visas might pay over $280,000 when combining all fees and requirements. Visa Integrity Fees are non-refundable, even if your application gets denied by immigration authorities.
Refunds won’t be processed until visa expiration, which could take years, according to DHS officials. Despite only 1–2% of visitors overstaying visas, the U.S. claims the fee protects national integrity. The Congressional Budget Office projects the new fee will generate $28.9 billion by the year 2034.
Interestingly, President Trump also introduced a premium immigration scheme earlier this year. It amounts $5M and it is titled as ‘Golden Residency’ Visa Card for US Entry. The president described the card as a fast, modern, and simplified route to U.S. citizenship.
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